Drink Chia Expands Distribution, Introduces Larger Bottle Size

As the market for chia products continues to thrive and expand, Drink Chia announced today that it has secured new deals with natural products distributors UNFI and KeHE, and dramatically increased the size of its footprint in the Northeast, Midwest, and throughout Florida. The company also announced that it has increased the package size for its whole chia seed beverage, moving it into a new 10 oz. bottle.

Launched in March 2012, Drink Chia has steadily acquired new distribution within the natural channel, debuting in the New England market, where the brand is distributed by Hooksett, N.H.-based Blue Coast Beverages. Today, Drink Chia is carried in 18 Whole Foods stores and all Fresh Market locations in Florida, as well as all Wegman’s Food Markets in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts.

With category founder Mamma Chia leading the way, total dollar sales of chia drinks rose by 1,030 percent in combined natural (excluding Whole Foods), conventional grocery, drug, and mass retail channels, in the 52 weeks ending on September 29, 2012, according to data from SPINS, a leading provider of syndicated market research. Moreover, chia was the top ingredient across all products in the natural channel, based on incremental dollar growth over a 12 month period ending on August 4, 2012. Chia products grew by over 356.9 percent in incremental dollar sales during that timeframe, landing ahead of other popular ingredients including kombucha and probiotic supplements.

Here is Drink Chia’s statement on the new distribution and package size:

Altamonte Springs, FL – Drink Chia, LLC is starting the new year off with a bang. The makers of the all-natural omega-3 superfood drink recently secured distribution deals with United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) and KeHE Food Distributors, two of the largest natural food distributors in the natural market and supermarket channels. The new agreements will immediately expand Drink Chia’s brand footprint throughout Florida, the Northeast, and the Midwest.

Amongst the new retail accounts to carry the Drink Chia lineup are all 18 Florida Whole Foods Markets and all 81 Wegman’s Food Markets in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts.

In an effort to offer a greater value to consumers, Drink Chia will also increase its packaging size from 8 oz. to 10 oz. for all four flavors – Strawberry Citrus, Honeysuckle Pear, Mango Tangerine, and “B Meyer” Lemon. The bump in size comes at no additional cost to consumers, as the suggested retail price will remain at $3.49 per bottle. Drink Chia is packaged in highly portable, recyclable, PET plastic bottles so consumers can take the superfood drink on the go.

“We are excited to introduce Drink Chia to new markets in the Northeast and Midwest, and to provide greater coverage to our home state of Florida,” said Drink Chia Co-Founder Chandra Davis. “With the rollout of our larger 10 oz. bottle size, the timing couldn’t be more perfect.”

The larger bottle size means enhanced health benefits for the active consumers who make Drink Chia their all-natural drink of choice. At just 50 calories and 5 grams of sugar per 10 oz. serving, and loaded with 1,100 mg of omega-3, Drink Chia boasts a low-calorie, nutrient-rich formula that promotes hydration, endurance, and heart and brain health.

“We listened to our fans when they said they wanted more of Drink Chia,” said Davis. “The larger bottle size provides more of the nutritional benefits of the chia seeds while keeping the calories and sugar extremely low.”

With expanded distribution channels in place, Drink Chia will look to aggressively reach new markets throughout 2013. Brand representatives will be on hand at Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California from March 8-10. Interested parties should visit Booth #5479.